Jane Johnson

Mary Jane Johnson, known fondly by all as "Jane," passed from this world on October 22, 2013, at the

age of 89, with her loving children Thomas R. Johnson of Stockton, and Deidre L. Johnson of Sacramento by her side. She survived major abdominal surgery in July, but succumbed to complications. Jane is also survived by her grandchildren Aaron J. Johnson of Seattle, Washington; and Jillian Q. Johnson of Petaluma, California; along with Jane's sisters Jeanne Jankovsky of Montana, Rosemary Meskiel of Florida; and her brothers Don Scarmuzzi of Ohio, and Joe Scarmuzzi of Florida. Jane was preceded in death by her

husband of 62 years, Quentin L. Johnson; and her brother Gerald J. Scarmuzzi of Ohio.

Jane was born in Niles, Ohio in December 1923, and graduated in 1944 from St. Elizabeth's Hospital School of Nursing in Youngstown. She served as a nurse in the United States Army for two years, and, in 1947, married Quentin, a career Army officer who fought in both World War II and the Korean War and received many injuries and medals. As a military officer's wife, Jane cared for her family in various locations including Colorado, Georgia, Japan and Germany. Upon Quentin's disability retirement in 1959, the family moved to Santa Clara, California, where Jane returned to work as a registered nurse at a hospital and then at Pacific Bell (now AT&T). With Pac Bell's assistance, Jane pursued a higher education and obtained her Bachelor of Science degree in psychology from the College of Notre Dame in Belmont in 1978, becoming an employee assistance counselor. Jane then secured her Master of Arts degree in counseling from Santa Clara University 1n 1981. Throughout her career, Jane listened to people suffering from a wide range of personal problems, and was well respected for her dedication and uplifting attitude. In 1985, she retired, continued as a consultant in Santa Clara County, and then moved to Sun City West in Arizona.

In 1996, Jane and Quentin moved to Stockton to be nearer to their children and grandchildren. Following Quentin's passing in 2009, Jane resided in an independent living apartment at the O'Connor Woods retirement community, where she sang in the choir, was an avid bridge player, enjoyed good books, and was an outgoing, social member of the community. As well, Jane was a dedicated member of the international Philanthropic Educational Organization (PEO), promoting the educational advancement of women, and St Anne Episcopal Church. Jane embraced an exuberant outlook on life and emphasized enjoying each day.

A memorial service will be held at the Chapel at O'Connor Woods, 3400 Wagner Heights Rd., Stockton, on Saturday, November 2, 2013, at 1:30 p.m. In lieu of flowers, the family requests remembrances be made to the American Cancer Society or the O'Connor Woods Resident Assistance Fund. Please sign the online guestbook at www.cherokeememorial.com.